Top Things To Do and See in Salta, Argentina
Packed with stunning architecture, Salta, in the northwest of Argentina, is quickly becoming one of the country’s must-sees. Surrounded by rugged natural landscapes, mountains, vineyards and valleys, this destination offers plenty to see and do.
1. Bodega José L. Mounier
Winery
Beyond Salta, vineyards cluster around the town of Cafayate, producing diverse wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, local specialty Torrentés and Malbec. This region is beginning to rival Mendoza – the most famous in Argentina – and we love Bodega José L.Mounier, in Finca Las Nubes, on the Ruta Del Vino. The high elevation makes whites just right, along with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontés. A day spent among the glossy greenery includes cellar tours, tastings and lunch with a view on the veranda.
2. Iglesia San Francisco (St. Francis Church and Convent)
Church
3. El Patio de la Empanada
Market, Food Stall, Food Stand, Argentina
When you’re ready for a bite, head to this clutch of kiosks dishing up that Salta speciality, the humble empanada. El Patio De La Empanada, on the corner of Avenida St Martin and Esteco, offers can offer 14 varieties of these flavour-packed pockets including triangular empanadas Arabes, filled with minced beef and jazzed-up with lemon, onions, red peppers, tomatoes and olives.
5. Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
Natural Feature
If you can’t make it to Bolivia’s celebrated salt flats, make the easy day trip from Salta to this smaller collection. It’s odd, at such high altitude, to see such blinding white plains after an uphill drive through reddish-brown rocks. The way passes through awesome mountains and, if you’re taking the Tren a las Nubes, you’ll get the chance to stop off at the flats on the way back to the city.
6. Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña
Building, Museum
7. Catedral Basílica de Salta
Cathedral
8. Cabildo and Museo Histórico del Norte
Building, Museum
9. Mercado Municipal San Miguel
Market, Argentina
10. Cerro San Bernardo
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
You’ve had your Salta close-up. Now it’s time to get the bigger picture. Hop aboard the teleférico (cable car) that ferries sightseers up the San Bernardo Hill. At the top, as well as the incomparable city views, there is a landscaped garden in which to while away an hour or two, not to mention a small market selling perfectly decent souvenirs. The most impressive thing from up here is the outlook over the surrounding mountains, which you may fail to appreciate whilst wandering the centre of Salta.
Jo Fernandez-Corugedo contributed additional reporting to this article.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.